AN IMPORTANT GOAL FOR KEVIN

United manager Mark Robins was pleased to see new striker Kevin van Veen continue his adaptation to English football during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Swindon Town.

The Dutch forward started in claret and blue for the first time as the home side came from behind to secure an impressive victory at Glanford Park.

Having signed from FC Oss during the January transfer window, the 23-year-old broke his duck with the final goal of the game late on, and Robins told The Iron Player: “I think it’s important for Kev.

“He’s a really, really confident lad in terms of his ability to put the ball in the net which is why we’ve signed him. I’m really pleased because he’s shown strength and pace, and a desire to get the ball in the net.

“The choice of finish was outstanding.”

Meanwhile, one player who didn’t complete 90 minutes against the high-flying Robins was Neal Bishop, with the midfielder being replaced by Sean McAllister late on.

However, Robins confirmed both Bishop and the absent Isaiah Osbourne would be fit to return to action soon, commenting: “He [Bishop] had just done the hard yards and the mileage, so had a bit of soreness, but it’s nothing more than that.

“Isaiah has had a little bit of soreness in his knee, which we’ve let settle down. We’ve just got to give 24 to 48 hours to recover, but he should be available for Tuesday.”

A testing run of fixtures leaves the 45-year-old eager to strengthen his squad if possible, with a once improbable push for the play-offs now not completely out of the question.

That may see the Iron delve into the loan market once more, and Robins admitted: “We’re always looking, and we’ll see what comes of that.

“It’s not something that’s imminent, so we’ll have to wait and see. If anything comes up that’s right and will improve us or give me scope to change things slightly, then we’ll go ahead and do it.”

See much more from Mark Robins, Kevin van Veen, Paddy Madden and Tom Hopper on The Iron Player.